China News - 16 June 2021

EVENT POSTPONED - due to a parliamentary clash with the Prime Minister’s statement on the G7 summit, our event ‘PRC disinformation in the UK: What do we know?’ will no longer be taking place today. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and look forward to rescheduling at the earliest opportunity possible.

International

China state TV channel CGTN enlists UK student influence. CGTN, which had its broadcasting licence revoked in the UK in February, has been targeting British university campuses and offering students the chance to win thousands of pounds by becoming pro-Beijing social media influencers. The Times, 16 June

China flies record number of jets towards Taiwan. China flew 28 military aircraft into Taiwan’s air defence buffer zone on Tuesday in its largest such incursion so far. The move comes as Beijing continues to express anger over warnings from western countries and their allies about its military pressure on the island. FT, The Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, BBC, 15 June

Beijing accused of falsifying census figures to rebut claims of Uyghur genocide. Official statistics indicate that between 2010 and last year, the Uyghur population of Xinjiang grew by 16%. Critics are sceptical of the population increase because authorities had earlier revised Uighur numbers down from previous years by hundreds of thousands. The Times, AsiaNews, 15 June

China says it is a force for peace as it hits back at Nato. On Tuesday, China slammed Nato for calling it a security challenge, with its EU Mission denouncing the alliance’s joint communique as displaying a “cold war mentality.” Independent, The Guardian, BBC, NYT, 15 June

Beijing’s top diplomat in Hong Kong doubles down on warnings to ‘foreign forces’ in first public appearance. Liu Guangyuan, who assumed his role last month, tells the Communist Party anniversary forum that national security law and elections overhaul are transforming the city from ‘chaos to stability’. SCMP, 16 June

EU-China investment deal is still possible — but not before 2023. Neil Thomas, a China analyst at Eurasia Group, said it’s “more probable than not” that an investment pact between the European Union and China will be ratified. CNBC, 14 June

China, Russia team up for a space race with the US. The two countries have pledged to cooperate on expeditions to the moon and an asteroid, setting the stage for a new space race with the United States and its partners. NYT, 15 June

Covid outbreaks in Chinese ports could cause global goods shortages. The Guardian, 16 June

Pentagon considering permanent naval task force to counter China in the Pacific. Politico, 15 June

German industry group criticises China over new sanctions law. Reuters, 15 June

China focus

China set to administer 1bn Covid vaccine doses by end of this week. Cash incentives and gifts have been offered to fulfil target of vaccinating 40% of the population by end of the month. The Guardian, 15 June

China Repackages Its History in Support of Xi’s National Vision. The propaganda campaign to promote Communist Party history is the largest mass-education drive since the Mao era. WSJ, 15 June

Study Abroad Agency Accused of Exploiting Research Subjects. Sixth Tone, 15 June

Economy & tech

China’s Big Tech puts the brakes on community group buying as government scrutiny increases. Beijing has become increasingly concerned, as the new business model threatens traditional distribution channels and tens of millions of jobs. SCMP, 14 June

China’s tech workers pushed to their limits by surveillance software. The cycle of monitoring and overwork is fuelling productivity — and a backlash. FT, 15 June

China’s electric car leaders predict new energy vehicles will dominate the local market by 2030. CNBC, 15 June

Alibaba seeks small British businesses to feature in world's 'biggest shopping event' selling to 800m people. ThisIsMoneyUK, 15 June

Long reads & opinion

Back-to-Back Rebukes of China Mark a Turning Point. Criticism from G-7 and NATO members represent a shift toward collective action to confront Beijing. James T. Arredy. WSJ, 15 June

Critical Questions: The G7’s New Global Infrastructure Initiative. CSIS, 15 June

The CCP's next century: expanding economic control, digital governance and national security. MERICS, 15 June

China and the west must now cooperate to achieve global Covid vaccine coverage. Sophie Zinser. The Guardian, 15 June

The Lab Leak Theory Doesn’t Hold Up. Justin Ling. Foreign Policy, 15 June

China Fantasises About a ‘Low-Desire’ Life. Cai Zongcheng. Sixth Tone, 15 June

How Secondhand Clothes Sellers Are Driving Conversations Around China’s Recycling Economy. Siyuan Meng. RADII, 15 June